It’s more than just an annoyance: Long-term exposure to traffic and train noise may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Danish researchers report.
The study authors estimate that more than 1,200 of Denmark’s nearly 8,500 dementia cases in 2017 may have been associated with exposure to transportation noise. The findings suggest that reducing traffic noise could potentially help lower some of the health risks associated with long-term noise exposure, including problems with thinking, memory and behavior.
In addition, previous studies have linked transportation noise to coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes, says study author Manuella Lech Cantuaria.
“Expanding our knowledge on the harmful effects of noise on health is essential for setting priorities and implementing effective policies and public health strategies focused on the prevention and control of diseases, including dementia,” the researchers said in a journal news release.
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How Does Traffic Noise Raise the Risk for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
If you live in a neighborhood with heavy traffic, the constant noise may affect more than your peace and quiet. It can also interfere with your sleep.
Sleep is critical for mental and cognitive restoration, and consistently disrupted sleep can affect brain health.
After taking into account other factors related to residents and their neighborhoods, the researchers found that a 10-year average exposure to road and railway noise was associated with an increased risk of dementia.
The researchers also found a general pattern of higher dementia risk with higher levels of noise exposure.
Road and railway noise were linked with a 27 percent higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the study. However, only road traffic noise was associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia.
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Minimizing Traffic Noise
If you live in an area with high levels of noise pollution, there are a few ways you may be able to reduce the amount of traffic noise around your home.
Build a wall or fence
This can be an effective way to block loud noises from entering your backyard. If you live in an area with heavy traffic, such as downtown or near a highway, consider a masonry wall, modular wall or acoustic fence. If noise levels are more moderate, a wooden fence may also help.
Add vegetation
This option can bring more life to your backyard while helping reduce the perception of traffic noise. Hedges, shrubs, trees and other plants can help absorb and deflect incoming sounds. Vegetation can also be paired with a wall or fence for additional noise reduction. Plants such as broadleaf evergreens and junipers are often used for noise buffering. The downside is that plants can take time to grow, so their impact may not be immediate.
Create more pleasant sounds
If you’re having trouble reducing traffic noise, try masking it with sounds that are more soothing. For example, a water fountain can create a gentle white-noise effect that may make surrounding traffic sounds less noticeable. Music can also help take your attention away from loud or distracting noises.
Creating sound barriers and masking unwanted noise may not eliminate traffic noise completely, but they can make your environment feel quieter and more comfortable.
While these steps cannot guarantee protection against dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, reducing exposure to excessive noise may be one part of creating a healthier, more restful environment. At the very least, they can help make your home a little more peaceful.